Larry W. Miller, the founder of L.W. Miller Transportation, was a man whose life story is deeply intertwined with the spirit of hard work, entrepreneurial vision, and community commitment in Logan, Utah. Born on July 16, 1937, and passing away peacefully on December 13, 2020, at the age of 83, Miller’s journey from a young boy milking cows to a respected business leader is an inspiring narrative of dedication and success. His establishment of L.W. Miller Transportation stands as a testament to his unwavering work ethic and his ability to see opportunities where others might not.
From his early years in Hyrum, Utah, Larry Miller learned the value of hard work. His days began before dawn, milking cows, and continued with farm work in Blue Creek during the summers. This formative experience instilled in him a profound appreciation for diligence and perseverance, qualities that would become hallmarks of his entrepreneurial career. His love for farming and operating his John Deere tractor was more than a pastime; it was a connection to the land and a symbol of the dedication he brought to all his endeavors. This strong work ethic was the bedrock upon which he built his first transportation venture, Miller Transport, in Hyrum in 1965, in partnership with his cousins. Even while working and eventually retiring from Thiokol, his entrepreneurial drive persisted.
In 1982, Larry Miller embarked on a new chapter, establishing L.W. Miller Transportation in Logan, Utah. Starting with a modest fleet of two trucks and four employees, the company experienced remarkable growth under his leadership. His vision and business acumen propelled L.W. Miller Transportation to become a significant employer in the region, with hundreds of employees and a substantial fleet of trucks. Recognizing the needs of the industry, he further expanded his business by establishing diesel repair facilities in North Salt Lake City and Tremonton, Utah, providing crucial support services for the transportation sector. Diversifying his interests, Miller also ventured into retail with L.W.’s convenience store, strategically located next to his transportation center in Logan, and at one point managed several convenience stores across Utah.
Beyond transportation, Larry Miller’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to explore diverse business opportunities. He invested in commercial warehouses, recognizing the growing need for storage and logistics solutions. He also founded the Northern Utah Auto Auction, creating a marketplace for vehicle sales and further contributing to the local economy. His connection to agriculture remained strong through his large dry farm in Blue Creek, demonstrating his commitment to his roots and his understanding of diverse industries. Larry Miller was known for his leadership style, attracting talented individuals and empowering them to achieve their potential. He fostered a company culture where employees were considered family, creating a loyal and dedicated workforce that was integral to the success of L.W. Miller Transportation.
Larry Miller’s contributions extended far beyond the business world. He dedicated his time and expertise to serving his community and the state of Utah in various leadership roles. His involvement included serving on the boards of the Utah Trucking Association and the Cache Chamber of Commerce, advocating for the transportation industry and local business interests. He also contributed to healthcare and community well-being through his service on the Sunshine Terrace, Utah State University Foundation Board, The Old Main Society, and Logan Regional Hospital. Notably, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Cancer Center and Heart Center at Logan IHC, leaving a lasting impact on healthcare services in the region.
Throughout his career, Larry Miller received numerous accolades recognizing his entrepreneurial achievements and contributions. He was honored with the 1994 Small Business Administration Entrepreneurial Success Award, a testament to his early business triumphs. In 2000, he was named the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the entire state of Utah, a prestigious recognition of his business leadership and innovation. He also received multiple awards from the Utah Trucking Association, underscoring his impact on the transportation industry. A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Larry Miller placed great importance on his family, considering them his greatest achievement. He cherished his travels around the world but always found joy in returning to Cache Valley, eager to continue his work and contribute to the community he loved.
Larry W. Miller’s legacy is one of hard work, vision, and community service. His impact through L.W. Miller Transportation and his broader business and community endeavors will continue to be felt in Logan and beyond. A celebration of Larry’s life was held on December 19, 2020, at the L.W. Transportation Center in Logan. The family suggested contributions to the Cache Valley for Hope Cancer Foundation (https://www.cachevalleyforhope.org/) in lieu of flowers, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the well-being of his community.
